Chelsea join race for sensational £55m defender as Liverpool initiate talks with 23-goal striker

We won’t pretend that it’s been the busiest 24 hours in the recent history of the rumour mill – perhaps the transfer columnists had Monday off – but that won’t put us off our daily mission to bring you the juiciest new Premier League transfer rumours. We just had to work a bit harder to find them, that’s all.

Let’s start with a story from Football Insider, who reckon that a new team has entered the increasingly heated race to sign Bournemouth’s sensational young defender Dean Huijsen – Chelsea, whose search for a new centre-back has seen them linked with more than a few big-money players.

The newly-minted Spain international has “risen to the top of their list of targets” after a brilliant few months in Andoni Iraola’s first team, and his £55m release clause (we’ve seen £50m reported elsewhere) is helping to make the case. He’d certainly be cheaper than alternatives like Marc Guéhi and Jules Koundé.

Not that Chelsea’s interest means they’ll definitely sign the Amsterdam-born defender. The report notes that the Blues “may find it difficult” to get a deal over the line amid interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid – but his departure from the Vitality Stadium is now “certain”.

The 3AM Verdict: It certainly makes sense that Chelsea, who love a highly expensive youngster, would be keen on the impressive 19-year-old, so we don’t have too much trouble believing this story. Making a case over Real Madrid, as has been pointed out, may be more challenging.

Liverpool open talks with 23-goal striker

Up to Anfield now, where there’s been plenty of chat about the likelihood that Arne Slot moves to replace the misfiring Darwin Núñez – but with a deal for Alexander Isak looking profoundly unlikely, Caught Offside claim that Liverpool have started looking elsewhere.

They allege that the Reds are “genuine contenders” to pick up Lille and Canada striker Jonathan David on a free transfer this summer, and have even “started talks” with the player over terms.

David, who has scored 23 goals so far this season to extend a long run of impressive returns in France, is wanted by a whole host of teams but seems to have been a back-up option for most of them, so Liverpool could barge their way to the front of the queue with a strong offer.

The 3AM Verdict: If Huijsen makes sense for Chelsea given the way they spend their money, David makes sense for Liverpool given that FSG prefer not to spend theirs if they can get away with it. With the potential for an expensive rebuild in the offing, picking up a good player on a Bosman makes a lot of sense, so this wouldn’t take us by surprise.

Manchester United eye new goalkeeper

Look, we did say this wasn’t the biggest or busiest day in transfer rumour history, so we’re going to underwhelm you with a last rumour which may be of some interest (but maybe not much) to Manchester United fans.

There have been quite a few stories which suggest that they’re looking at the aptly-named James Trafford as a replacement for André Onana, but how about a new back-up? Well, according to Give Me Sport, they could indeed sign a new number two as well.

Apparently, Preston North End stopper Freddie Woodman is “on United’s radar” and has become “one of their top options” for some cover between the sticks. Blackburn Rovers’ Aynsley Pears would also be an option. Exciting? No, not really, but never say we aren’t thorough.

The 3AM Verdict: Two very decent goalkeepers at Championship level, with Woodman being the one with fewer flaws. Neither would be likely to seriously contend for the number one jersey. About all we can say, really…